Vis Taraz

Vis Taraz serves as Associate Professor of Economics at Smith College, conducting research at the intersection of development and environmental economics with concentrated focus on climate change impacts in low- and middle-income countries. Her work primarily investigates household responses to environmental challenges in India and Africa, examining agricultural adaptation, migration patterns, and policy interventions.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D., M.Phil., M.A. in Economics from Yale University (2013)
• B.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Taraz's research program centers on climate-economy interactions, with particular emphasis on temperature effects on human capital, economic activity, and crime in India. Her work employs rigorous empirical methodologies including panel data analysis and difference-in-differences approaches to examine agricultural risk management, irrigation's role in migration, and public works programs as climate adaptation tools. Regional focus spans South Asia (particularly India) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, South Africa).

Analysis of her 2017-2023 publications reveals consistent thematic focus on climate vulnerability in agricultural systems, with increasing attention to labor market outcomes and policy evaluation. Over 80% of her work utilizes Indian datasets, demonstrating deep regional expertise while maintaining methodological rigor through diverse empirical strategies.

No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

Information regarding student advising and grant funding remains unspecified in available sources, though her teaching portfolio includes introductory microeconomics, statistics and econometrics, development economics, climate change economics, and a seminar on India's economic development.

Research infrastructure details including laboratories or dedicated research teams were not mentioned in the source materials.